
Rhian Mordaunt
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation.
Hello! My name is Rhian Mordaunt and I am a 21-year-old Bachelor of International and Global Studies (majoring in Arabic Language and Cultures) and Bachelor of Laws Student at the University of Sydney. When I’m not cramming for exams, I’m heavily involved in my university’s performing arts and social justice committees. I first became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation back in 2018 when I received a scholarship from them. It was a truly life changing experience getting to meet such talented LGBTIQ+ young people and listen to their stories.
What have you gained from being part of the Pinnacle program so far?
The biggest thing that I have gained from the Pinnacle program thus far is confidence. Before the Pinnacle program I was incredibly worried about entering the legal profession and whether or not I would have to hide my true self at work. Would I have to act a certain way? Would I have to lie about my partner? By talking with other LGBTIQ+ law students and mentors who are in the legal industry, I have learnt that if I am to truly thrive in my field I need to be my authentic self and focus on the attributes that make me unique. I know that I will take the confidence that I have gained from the Pinnacle program and apply it to all aspects of my professional and personal life.
What has your experience with your mentor been like?
I have had Alastair as my mentor since 2018 and it has been the most rewarding part of the program. It is incredible getting to talk with someone who studied exactly the same degree as me 20 years before me and is also a member of the LGBTIQ+ community. He has been there for me through some of the toughest times in my life, always checking in to give advice whenever I need it. I know I wouldn’t have made it through the other side of many challenges without his help. I’m also very grateful for all of his professional advice and he has definitely helped me with setting professional goals early in my career.
What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about applying for The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship Program?
I have two simple words: do it! You have absolutely nothing to lose! The Pinnacle Foundation program has helped so many young people realise their potential and feel supported. The Pinnacle Foundation team is truly like a family to me and I’m very grateful to be part of a network that is dedicated to creating the next generation of LGBTIQ+ leaders.
Midsumma Pride March 2024
Over the weekend The Pinnacle Foundation’s Victorian Committee joined with scholars, alumni and partner reps…
Partners’ Dinner 2023 – Sydney
Last night in Sydney, at our annual partners’ dinner, we thanked our corporate and philanthropic…
End Of Year 2024 – NSW
Thank you to our gold partner, Herbert Smith Freehills for generously hosting our end of…
Alan Joyce AC, Patron of The Pinnacle Foundation
Alan Joyce AC shares his thoughts about the value and impact of the Pinnacle program.
Profile: Han Worsely – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Tasmania – Winter in Italy Quiz Night
On 11 August our Tasmanian Committee hosted a Winter in Italy quiz night, generously hosted…
Brisbane Pride Festival March 2021
After the uncertainty of the last eighteen months, The Pinnacle Foundation’s Queensland committee seized the…
Drag Bingo – Uni of Syd
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Pinnacle scholar, Max, for organising a Drag Bingo…
Picnic For Pinnacle – VIC
Scholars in Victoria gathered with members of the Victorian Committee for a Picnic for Pinnacle,…
Cameron Tirendi
BHP | Principal Program Delivery | Global Co-Lead Jasper, LGBTIQ+ ally network | Mental Health…
Picnic For Pinnacle – SA
All across the country, people are getting together in pubs, breweries, restaurants, wineries and at…
Ben Henry – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
EOFY – VIC
Gold Partner L‘Oreal recently hosted the Melbourne committee’s EOFY fundraising cocktail function. This event provided an…
WA Pride March 2023
The Western Australian Committee stood strong and recently marched at the WA Pride March. With…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – ACT
The ACT Committee’s End of Year Cocktail Fundraiser was an absolute blast, filled with joy,…
End Of Year 2024 – VIC
Huge thanks to everyone who made it to the Victorian Committee’s end-of-year celebration at Allens…
Trans Day of Visibility
Trans Day of Visibility is an annual international celebration of transgender pride and awareness, recognising…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – QLD
Last week, the QLD Committee hosted a heartwarming End of Year charity fundraiser, weaving together…
Picnic For Pinnacle 2022
Pinnacle co-founders Sean Linkson OAM and Philip Comans hosted their 2022 Picnic for Pinnacle in…
Caitlyn Georgeson
Can you tell us how you became a Pinnacle Foundation board member? I was appointed…
Lorraine Hall
Lorraine Hall has been a valued mentor at the Pinnacle Foundation for nearly four years,…
Penny Wilson
Penny Wilson is one of our valued regular donors and has supported The Pinnacle Foundation…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – SA
Last Thursday night the SA Committee hosted our Scholars Welcome event at the Treasury, generously…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – WA
As we bid farewell to another incredible year, the Western Australian Committee celebrated in style…
Profile: Anthony Copeland (he/him) – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
The History of The Pinnacle Foundation
The Pinnacle Foundation’s journey began serendipitously back in October 2005 when Sean Linkson OAM, filling…
Beyond the Rainbow
Watch Devon Esper, Lead Author of WPP’s global research, “Beyond the Rainbow – An investigation…
Jennifer Westacott AO, Patron of The Pinnacle Foundation
Jennifer Westacott AO shares her thoughts about the importance of the Pinnacle program.
Scholar Welcome 2024 – WA
Our WA Committee recently hosted a Scholar Welcome Event, a night filled with gratitude, warmth,…
Scholar Welcome 2023 – Victoria
On the evening of 21st March, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars…
Out For Australia 30 Under 30 Award
Congratulations! We at The Pinnacle Foundation would like to congratulate everyone who has been awarded…
Alastair Lawrie
Alastair Lawrie has been a valued mentor at The Pinnacle Foundation for the past three…
Angel St James
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation….
LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship
The inaugural LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship, a one-week intensive executive leadership program developed by The University of…
The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley
The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley shares with us why he decided to become a Pinnacle…
Scholar Welcome 2023 – WA
On the 25th of March, we welcomed incoming and returning scholars and their mentors in Western…
Midsumma Parade and Melbourne Pride
The Pinnacle Foundation’s Victorian committee joined this year’s Midsumma Festival Pride March. With a marching…
Odette Maher
Every year we receive inspiring and outstanding applications from young LGBTIQ+ Australians all around the…
Picnic For Pinnacle
Things are in full swing with Picnic for Pinnacle. Picnics are being hosted by supporters…
Midsumma Carnival Day – VIC
The Pinnacle Foundation’s scholars, mentors and volunteer Victorian Committee were at Midsumma Festival’s Carnival. It was…
TasPride Parade 2025
We had an absolute blast marching in the TasPride Parade over the weekend! Our amazing…
Louise Fisher and Peter Maher
Louise and Peter have been involved with The Pinnacle Foundation and have generously sponsored the…
Partners’ Dinner – VIC
Thank you to our gold partner, King & Wood Mallesons for generously hosting our annual…
Coming out as gay to my parents: Brayden’s story – SBS
Brayden wrote a note to his mum, walked away and started to cry Noongar man…
A message from the Governor of Victoria (Patron-in-Chief of The Pinnacle Foundation): Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
On behalf of the people of Victoria, I extend my sincere condolences to His Majesty…
Ben Bjarnesen
What inspired you to become involved with The Pinnacle Foundation? Growing up I didn’t have…
Profile: Audrey Crémer – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Picnic For Pinnacle 2023
Picnic for Pinnacle featured as a Pride Amplified event, part of Sydney WorldPride, and we…
Isabella (Izzy) Kotasek
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
MEDIA RELEASE
Developments at The Pinnacle Foundation Established in 2007, The Pinnacle Foundation is a national charity…
Melt Festival River Parade 2024
The Pinnacle Foundation QLD committee participated in the 2024 Melt Festival River Pride Parade over…
James Holland – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – NSW
On Thursday 7 March the Pinnacle family in NSW welcomed the 2024 NSW Pinnacle Foundation…
TasPride 2024
Over the weekend The Pinnacle Foundation family in Tasmania proudly marched at TasPride. Our Tasmanian…
A Country Practice – Dr Jacinta Clark
PREGNANT women in the Limestone Coast will be delivered easier access to specialist care, thanks…
Power of words – King & Wood Mallesons
Pinnacle Foundation gold partner, King & Wood Mallesons believes that responsible business is everyone’s business,…
Cornerstone members’ dinner 2024
A Night of Tears, Cheers, and a Million Reasons to Celebrate! Last night was pure…
EOFY – NSW
Our incredible Platinum Partner @mirvac_residential, hosted a fabulous cocktail event to raise funds for The Pinnacle…
Her Excellency the Hon Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria
Pinnacle Foundation Patron-in-Chief, Her Excellency the Hon Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, hosted a…
Leann Duff – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
First Nations Voice to Parliament
As an education charity supporting young LGBTQIA+ Australians to achieve their full potential, The Pinnacle…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – TAS
Last night the Tasmanian Committee held the 2024 Scholar Welcome Event, graciously hosted by Hydro…
Mardi Gras & World Pride 2023
Truly a night to remember. The Pinnacle Foundation marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian…
Mardi Gras 2021
The Pinnacle Foundation participated in our first ever #SydneyMardiGras and what an amazing night it…
The extraordinary joy of being considered ordinary
South Australian committee member, Simon Royal, wrote a gorgeous article for Indaily, featuring Pinnacle scholar…
My worlds are clashing by Rhian Mordaunt
Pinnacle Foundation scholar, Rhian Mordaunt, recently penned this beautifully written and powerful piece for the…
End of Year Event 2023 – TAS
Last Wednesday, the Tasmanian Committee lit up the night at our End of Year event,…
Caitlyn Georgeson
Caitlyn took part in The Pinnacle Foundation’s Scholarship program during 2014-2017 while undertaking a Bachelor…
Profile: Lee Taube (they/them) – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – NSW
Last Monday night, the Sydney Committee hosted a spectacular End Of Year Cocktail fundraiserOur incredible…
WA Pride 2024
The Pinnacle Foundation shines bright at WA Pride! The WA committee had an absolute blast…
Midsumma Pride March 2023
The Pinnacle Foundation marched proudly (and rather colourfully) in Victoria’s Midsumma Pride March. Scholars, alumni,…
Sarah Sandford – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
The LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship 2024
The LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship, a one-week intensive executive leadership program developed by The University of Sydney…
‘Yield!’: Former High Court judge Michael Kirby’s surprising relationship secret
By Benjamin Law (article appearing in Good Weekend ) Each week, Benjamin Law asks public figures to…
“The art of changing lives”
A gift made possible by two of South Australia’s most significant arts figures is changing…
Partners’ Dinner 2023 – Melbourne
On Wednesday night, The Pinnacle Foundation, Australia’s LGBTQIA+ education charity, hosted its annual partners’ dinner…
IDAHOBIT 2022
Today is #IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia & Discrimination Against Intersex People….
Scholar Welcome 2022
The Pinnacle Foundation family has welcomed incoming scholarship recipients and their mentors in five states…
Brisbane Pride Festival 2022
This year, the Pinnacle Foundation again participated in Brisbane Pride March. Our Queensland committee was…
WA Bingo Night 2024
What a night! Huge thanks to everyone who made the WA Committee’s Bingo Night at…
Vale – Geoff Selig
The Pinnacle Foundation, Australia’s LGBTQIA+ education charity, mourns the tragic passing of Geoff Selig. Geoff…
Scott Aldred and Zac Hayes
Each year at The Pinnacle Foundation we introduce new scholars into our Pinnacle Scholarship Program….
Scholar Welcome 2023 – ACT
The Pinnacle Foundation would like to thank our Gold Partner – Maddocks for their generosity…
MEDIA RELEASE
Launch of Project Pronoun Only two chief executive officers of Australia’s top 100 ASX-listed companies…
TasPride 2023
So great to see the Tasmanian Pinnacle Foundation family out and proud (very colourfully) at…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – QLD
Last week, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars in Queensland at a…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – VIC
This week in Melbourne, KPMG set the stage for a heartwarming evening as they hosted…
Rhian on Studio 10 – Wear It Purple Day 2022
The Pinnacle Foundation scholar Rhian Mordaunt appeared on Channel 10’s Studio 10 with Sarah Harris…
Cornerstone Members & Patrons Dinner
On Tuesday 8 August we held our annual Cornerstone members and patrons dinner. The event,…
Nathan Cappelluti
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Mardi Gras 2022
If you’re anything like us, reliving the amazing Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Pride…
Article posted in the Star Observer (August 17, 2020)
Philip Comans graduated in the 1970s when tertiary degrees were free for students in Australia….
Scholar Welcome 2023 – QLD
On 23 March, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars in Queensland at…
Scholar Welcome 2021 – ACT
As we start to emerge, in a COVID-safe way, our scholars, mentors, Committee and Board…
Georgie Stone OAM
Congratulations to Georgie Stone OAM, a Pinnacle Foundation ambassador and alumnus, who was last night…
Midsumma Pride Parade 2025
Joyous day at Midsumma Pride March over the weekend in Melbourne. Thank you to everyone…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – ACT
The Pinnacle Foundation’s ACT Committee recently held the 2024 Scholar Welcome event. A special shoutout…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – VIC
Recently, the Victorian Committee gathered in Melbourne for a truly special occasion – the annual…
Scholar Welcome 2025 – NSW
Thank you to our gold partner Allens for generously hosting another wonderful Scholar Welcome event…
Julien Grosmaire – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…